A retreat expanding our horizons through language: opening to the wisdom of the body and integrating our heart and head. Each move in tai chi is a metaphor. The structured forms provide an inspiring backdrop for the creation of rhythmic patterns with words. Tai chi, writing & poetry have much in common: form, structure, sensitivity and a striving towards wholeness. Clouds like thoughts come and go; inspired by the surrounding mountains, lochs & sky, we will combine writing with movement and mindfulness for our own wellbeing and for all living beings everywhere. 

This week of tai chi, writing and meditation will trace our intimate relation to each other and our earth – with an overall theme of “painting rainbows”, bringing colour to our bodies and imagination. Whatever arises from our practice we will use to play with the reality of our interconnectedness – write about it and share our stories.

No experience of meditation, writing or tai chi is necessary, the retreat is suitable for beginners as well as those with more experience or who wish to refresh their practice in any of these areas. For more information, read the retreat information sheet. 

Seeing the dangers confronting humankind these days, we can feel depressed, demoralised and helpless to avert disaster - or even to talk about such feelings. This retreat provides a space to talk about and to explore an extraordinary sequence of reflections and communal practices that can rekindle an ‘active hope’ and vision for humanity. 

The retreat takes its title from a book called Active Hope co-authored by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnston. Having studied Buddhism, Joanna went on to develop this sequence of exercises and reflections to help us move from despair to hope. Such hope is far more than something vague and passive, it's creating a vision for humanity, a future which we can contribute to and actively help bring about.

The retreat will be focused around Joanna Macy's workshop exercises 'the spiral of the work that reconnects'. Each day will include meditation and movement to help us assimilate and process what is stirred by the workshops. There will also be periods of silence overnight. No prior experience will be assumed and all necessary tuition will be provided. 

For more information, including detail of the workshops and daily programme, see the retreat information sheet. You can also watch Smritiratna's short video about the retreat here. 

A retreat expanding our horizons through language: opening to the wisdom of the body and integrating our heart and head. Each move in Tai Chi is a metaphor. The structured forms provide an inspiring backdrop for the creation of rhythmic patterns with words. Tai Chi, writing & poetry have much in common: form, structure, sensitivity and a striving towards wholeness. Clouds like thoughts come and go; inspired by the surrounding mountains, lochs & sky, we will combine writing with movement and mindfulness for our own wellbeing and for all living beings everywhere.

This week of Tai Chi, writing and meditation will trace our intimate relation to the dance of the elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space, and Consciousness – with an overall theme of impermanence. Whatever arises from our practice we will use to play with the reality of our interconnectedness - write about it and share our stories.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.